Living Without a Car (Part 7/7)

Finally did the deed! Got rid of my last automobile for $240 to a happy high school student :) Now time to ride my bike for the rest of my life!!

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• living
• without
• car
• ford
• tempo
• geo
• metro
• chrysler
• cordoba
• mazda
• 323
• oldsmobile
• 88
• escort
• pontiac
• fiero
• thunderbird
• gas

[kevwelyk]

As far as rain goes I just get decked out in rain gear, but some kind of cover would be nice to have.

I'm actually looking, when I get around to selling the truck, at investing money in a tadpole style recumbent trike of some kind (meaning it has a two-wheels-forward configuration).

[landongendur]

I thought about rain gear, but it would just be nice to be completely dry. Something that I find interesting are called 'velomobiles' (look them up on YouTube search). They're basically small pedal cars that can go pretty quick if designed aerodynamically. I want to make a prototype in the near future ;)

[kevwelyk]

I commented in another video of yours already. I commute everywhere by bicycle, which means my truck never gets used anymore. Just a couple of tips from things I have learned...

Invest in at least a couple of locks (a U-lock and the thickest cable lock you can find) to keep your bike safe.

If you have lots of stuff to carry it is worth it to invest in a bicycle rack and a decent set of pannier bags, rather than cramming everything into a backpack.

[landongendur]

Thanks for the tips. Definitely a U-lock is a must if leaving a bike unattended in an unsecure outdoor environment.

I've thought of some pannier bags for longer trips, but doesn't it increase aerodynamic drag more than wearing a backpack?

[kevwelyk]

To be honest, I haven't noticed any difference as far as performance or aerodynamics. Then again, I'm just riding a regular MTB and I'm not out to break any speed records. For me, personally, if there is any tradeoff it is worth it because my back is definitely less sore from carrying stuff. All I wear on my back now is a camelback.

[landongendur]

That's a really good point. I eventually want to make a 3-4 wheeled bicycle with a canopy for when it rains (and it would be a lot easier to signal turn in as well since balance wouldn't be an issue).

[plantiumrocky]

thats really rude...

i actually enjoy some of his vids

[landongendur]

Yeah, it's really amazing how much we rely on individual automobile.

[takao47]

I would like to sell my car. Number 1 major issue, the place now I live MOTOWN is designed that (these city planners assume) each individuals have an automobile so that virtually there is no reliable public transportations. Plus even living in reasonably safer suburbia, Farmington Hills (located 12 Mile) which is 4 Miles north of infamous 8 Mile, still dangerous go out night time. probably much worse than North Central area of Regina. I need a car for weekend escapade to Ontario for a while!